Orzo with Brown Butter and Parsley

Rich, nutty, and irresistibly aromatic, this Orzo with Brown Butter and Parsley recipe is a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Featuring perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed in golden brown butter infused with garlic, this dish gets a fresh and vibrant lift from chopped parsley and optional hints of lemon zest. A touch of grated Parmesan adds creamy depth, while the option to cook the orzo in chicken broth enhances its savory allure. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile side or light main course is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients with maximum flavor. Serve it warm, garnished with extra parsley or cheese, for a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 4 cups Water or chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling liquid.

Step 2

Stir in the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the orzo and set aside.

Step 3

In the same saucepan or a clean skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked orzo, making sure it is thoroughly coated in the brown butter.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and, if using, lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra richness, you can add another tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish or light main course. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1245.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1175.4

Total Fat 54.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 132mg	0%
Sodium 1347.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 152.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.4g	0%
Total Sugars 3.9g
Protein 29.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 194.3mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 148.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.2%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 50.0%